Bandon Junior Open

With the senior opens taking a break for a few weeks, the juniors are now in full swing and next on the calender is Bandon Junior Open.

This starts on Sunday the 25th at 9am and it is each players\parents responsibility to check the Bandon website for your schedule.

Best of luck to all competitors.

Cork tennis scene full of Interpros

Congratulations to all Cork players named on the Munster teams for the upcoming Interprovincials.

The Senior's head to Dundalk Tennis Club on the 6th and 7th of August and the Cork players involved here are: Niamh Coveney, Joanne Williamson, Emma Murphy, Jamie Blake, Cian Blake, Paul Fitzgerald and Rob Leahy.

The U-18's are going to Castlebar Tennis Club on the 9th and 10th of August and the Cork players involved here are: Siobhan Ryan Bovey, Tara O Connor, Danielle Geary, Duncan Cronin, Sam Thompson, James Reidy and Shane Healy.

The U-14's are also in Castlebar Tennis Club on the 11th and 12th of August and the Cork players here are Rachel Daly, Emily Daly, Aisling O Riordan, David Gardiner and Niall Casey.

We wish them the best of luck and hopefully we bring home the trophies.

Daly and Gardiner too hot for Limerick

Two Cork U-14 players take the spoils at Limerick, Rachel Daly and David Gardiner went unbeaten in The South of Ireland Junior Open at Limerick Lawn.
This would be an achievement in itself if it was in their own age groups of U-14, but it wasn't it was in both the U-16 singles and the U-18 singles where they beat Munster Interpro players along the way.

This was a remarkable achievement and to top it off they teamed up to make it a hatrick of titles by winning the U-18 Mixed doubles.

Junior Irish Close Championships at Rushbrooke L.T.& C.C.

One of the biggest titles on the Irish junior tennis calender is up for grabs this week at Rushbrooke tennis club and this reflected in a very good quality entry throughout all the age groups.

To keep up to date with the scores click here.

Rushbrooke Senior Open photos

Rushbrooke FDC Championships of County Cork Results

After a disasterous start weather wise we had a lovely day for the majority of our finals day.
With numbers down a little on last year, but still a very big entry we reached finals day with a bit of help and understanding from the players and were then treated to some fantastic finals throughout all grades.
On a personal note, as Tournament Director, I would like to thank all the players for their efforts and accomodation in getting matches played so that finals day happened on time.
I would also like to mention our sponsors FDC Financial Services Ltd., for their continued support in running what is our biggest tournament and always a very enjoyable one. As I have said in each of our other tournament reports, we can't have tournaments without sponsors as tournament fees don't cover the cost of the prizes, so many thanks to FDC Financial Services Ltd.

Results:
MS1 - Kevin Rea V Jamie Blake 7-6\1-6\6-3
WS1 - Niamh Coveney V Tracey O Rourke 6-2\6-0
MD1 - Jamie & Cian Blake V Paul Fitzgerald\Rob Leahy 6-2\5-7\6-2
WD1 - Niamh Coveney\Joanne Williamson V Rachel Daly\Siobhan Ryan Bovey 6-1\6-2
XD1 - Niamh Coveney\Paul Fitzgerald V Joanne Williamson\Cian Blake 6-1\6-1
MS2 - Peter Brennan V Conor McCarthy 2-6\7-6\6-3
WS1 - Connie Creed V Sinead Dunne ret. inj.
MD2 - Joe Donovan\Pat Smith V Glyn Exshaw\Vincent Quirke 6-4\6-4
WD2 - Sommer Craig\Un Ryle V Carmel Daly\Sharon McGarry 6-4\6-3
XD2 - Sinead Power\Martin Cusack V Aine Kiernan\Jimmy Murphy 7-5\6-1
MS3 - Silvio di Blasi V Eddie Ronayne 6-3\6-4
WS3 - Mairead Neary V Joanne O Riordan 6-4\6-3
MD3 - Brian Fogarty\David Thompson V Silvio di Blasi\Kevin McCarthy 6-4\6-4
WD3 - Louise & Gillian Brohan V Oonagh Levis\Ann Coveney 3-6\6-4\6-4
XD3 - Orla Hosford\Eddie Ronayne V Kay Lynch\Niall Cloke 6-3\6-7\7-6
MS4 - Kevin McCarthy V Mike Reeb 6-3\6-7\7-6
WS4 - Siobhan Colclough Halpin V Tanya Colclough 6-4\6-1
MD4 - Colum Stack\Niall Ahern V Dominic Crowley\Noel Murphy 6-3\6-1
WD4 - Trish Murphy\Roisin Rasmussen V Lisa Fulcher\Louise Nestor 6-4\6-1
XD4 - Edel Coughlan\Rob Murphy V Jesse Morris\Nick Cloke 6-3\0-6\6-2
MS5 - James Cooney V Ronan Conway 6-3\6-1
WS5 - Susan O Donovan V Aoife Moloney 4-6\6-2\7-5
MD5 - Senan Ahern\Damien O Donovan V Tim Ryan\Tom Moore 7-6\7-5
WD5 - Ursula Hogan\Jacqui O Mahony V Emma Crowley\Aoife Moloney ret. inj.
XD5 - Laura Ahern\Peter Howie V Tricia O Leary\James Cooney 2-6\6-0\6-3
MS6 - Denis McCarthy V Conor Ahern 6-4\6-4
WS6 - Suzanne Buckley V Pauline Byrne 6-4\6-3
MD6 - Tim Ryan\Tom Moore V Patrick O Donoghue\Barry o Brien 1-6\6-2\6-4
WD6 - Fidelma O Brien\Eadaoin O Riordan V Orla Bowen\Kitty Moynihan 6-2\6-4
XD6 - Eadaoin O Riordan\Tim Ryan V Cathy Brooks\Rod Coleman 6-7\7-6\6-4

Photos to follow shortly.

Kinsale Open Photos 2010

Hi to all who played in Kinsale and apologies for the delay in getting the photos to you. Here they are!

Photos from Sundays Well Senior Open 2010

Carrigaline Astra Senior Open Finals hit by weather

Unfortunately again this year Carrigaline have had a finals day nightmare where the heavens opened and the courts flooded and play had to be suspended.
There was one final completed on the day and one played yesterday but the rest to be completed at a later date.

FDC Championships of County Cork - Rushbrooke

Next on the tournament calender is Rushbrooke's senior open sponsored again this year by FDC Financial Services Ltd.
With a very large entry received this should be another good tournament and any winners will really deseerve their titles.
To check out your draw or find out your schedule click here.

Lakewood Senior Open Results

Lakewood Senior Open finished last Saturday and anyone who attended was treated to some very good finals.
A lot of familiar names in the finals but also some new ones which is good to see.
The results are:
MX 1\2: Mike Warren\Carmel Daly V Rob Murphy\Sommer Craig 7-5\6-3
MD1\2: Peter Brennan\Luke Warner V John O Brien\Mike Warren 6-4\6-2
WD1\2: Grace Reidy\Marie Duffy V Carmel Daly\Melanie Spivey 6-2\6-3
MX3: Silvio di Blaise\Lisa Long V Dave Murphy\Mairead Neary 2-6\6-4\6-1
MD3: Bill Howie\Eddie Ronayne V Alan McDonagh\Niall Cloke 6-1\7-5
WD3: Lisa Long\Mairead Neary V Maura McCarthy\Daragh Quinn 6-1\2-6\6-2
MX4: Pat McCann\Joanna Riordan V John Hurley\Deirdre Murphy 7-6\7-6
MD4: Paul Healy\John Ryan V Declan Alton\Martin Neary 6-0\7-6
WD4: Carol Mulcahy\Joanna Riordan V Lione Buwalda\Maria Harrington 6-3\6-4
MX5: Peter Howie\Laura Ahern V Tim Ryan\ Eadaoin O Riordan 6-2\6-1
MD5: Senan Aherne\Damien O Donovan V Gerry Buckley\Barry Thompson
WD5: Ann Marie Collins\Gillian Wall V Angela O Mahony\Lucy Quill 5-0 retired
Mx6\7: Patrick O Donoghue\Liz Moore V Conor Aherne\Sonya Murphy 6-2\6-2
MD6\7: Tom Moore\Tim Ryan V Thomas Mullane\John O Donovan 7-5\3-6\6-0
WD6\7: Fidelma O Brien\Eadaoin O Riordan V Lynn O Sullivan\Martina O Sullivan 2-6\6-3\6-2

Well done to Lakewood on a very successful tournament and congratulations to all the winners, Carrigaline next for everyone.

Carrigaline Astra Senior Open Doubles 2010

Carrigaline open is underway and as always attracts a very big entry.
This year Carrigaline are delighted to have ASTRA Construction Services Ltd as their sponsor.

To find out when you are playing or to watch the scores click here

Niamh Coveney - Irish Close Championships Winner

Congratulations to Niamh on her win in the Investec Irish Senior Close Championships in Donnybrook last week where she beat fellow Fed Cup player Lynsey McCullough.
Niamh is on a rich vein of form at the moment and hopefully it continues this week in Carrickmines.

Congratulaions Niamh and best of luck this week.

Congratulations to Siobhan Ryan Bovey

Siobhan won the Leinster Junior Open U-16 last week in Lansdowne LTC in very convincing fashion.
She beat the no.2 seed Kate Lloyd 6-1/6-1 in the final.
Best of luck for the rest of the season and congratulations again.

Kinsale Open and Sundays Well Open photos due shortly

Anyone who took part in Kinsale and Sundays Well Opens watch this space for photos taken during both weeks.

Lakewood Senior Open Underway

Lakewood Senior Open is underway and to keep up to date with the scores or to check when you're playing click on the highlighted links.

Busy Times for Open Tournaments

Here's a list of upcoming Junior and Senior events, where you can either enter online or during the week of the tournament check your times and watch the scores:

Junior Events
Douglas Junior Open
Sundays Well
Bishopstown - Bishopstown Junior Open 2010

Senior events
Lakewood - Lakewood Open 2010
Carrigaline - Carrigaline ASTRA Senior Open Doubles 2010
Rushbrooke - FDC Championships of County Cork 2010

Munster Senior Open 2010 Results

Sundays Well finished on Saturday in magnificent sunshine and anyone who attended was treated to some fabulous tennis.

With 30 finals across 6 grades, a full days entertainment was guaranteed and those who showed up to watch weren't disappointed.

A congratulations to Jean Downey and her tournament committe on a very successful week and to the sponsors Caledonian Life.

The results are as follows: (winners named first)
WS1 - Niamh Coveney V Mary Claire McCarthy 6-0/6-1
MS1 - Jamie Blake V Kevin Rea 6-3/6-1
WS2 - Round Robin Winner - Connie Creed
MS2 - Conor McCarthy V Peter Brennan 4-6/7-5/ret inj
WS3 - Clodagh Fitzgerald V Joanne Riordan 6-2/6-2
MS3 - Peter Brennan V Rob Sheahan 6-4/6-4
WS4 - Anne Rose Purdon V Tanya Colclough 6-1/6-1
MS4 - John Ryan V Anthony Coughlan 6-1/6-2
WS5 - Glyslaine Hegarty V Lelia Blake 7-5/6-2
MS5 - Kevin Moynihan V Peter Howie 1-6/6-2/6-2
WS6/7 - Suzanne Buckley V Sarah Morris 6-7/6-1/7-6
MS6/7 - Peter Nolan V Rowen Conway 6-4/6-4
WD1 - Round Robin Winners - Niamh Coveney/Joanne Williamson
MD1 - Bernard De Boer/Rob Leahy V Jamie/Cian Blake 6-4/7-5
MX1 - Round Robin Winners - Joanne Williamson/Cian Blake
WD2 - Connie Creed/Grace Reidy V Sommer Craig/Un Ryle 6-3/6-4
MD2 - Conor Kelly/Rob Sheahan V Joe Donovan/Pat Smith 7-6/6-4
MX2 - Conor Kelly/Un Ryle V Ron O Mahony/Lisa Long 6-0/6-4
WD3 - Clodagh Fitzgerald/Siobhan Murray V Kay Lynch/Daragh Quinn 6-1/6-2
MD3 - Seamus Moynihan/John Ryan V Niall Cloke/Alan McDonagh 4-6/6-4/6-4
MX3 - David Thompson/Lisa Long V Paul O Callaghan/Berni Kenny 7-6/6-1
WD4 - Lisa Fulcher/Joanne O Keeffe V Maria Harrington/Deirdre Murphy 6-2/6-1
MD4 - Gus Bowen/Kevin Moynihan V Declan Alton/Martin Neary 6-1/6-3
MX4 - Niall Ahern/Carol Daly V Noel Murphy/Lisa Fulcher 5-7/6-4/6-0
WD5 - Lelia Blake/Eileen Geaney V Margaret Cronin/Carol Ann O Shea 6-4/6-2
MD5 - Edmond Condren/Robert Thompson V John Mulcahy/Jonathon Mulcahy 6-3/6-3
MX5 - Brian/Mary Barnes V Kevin Day/Trisha O Leary 6-0/6-3
WD6/7 - Fidelma O Brien/Eadaoin O Riordan V Liz Brosnan/Therese Horn 7-5/7-5
MD6/7 - Derek Murphy/John O Donovan V Barry O Brien/Tim Ryan 7-5/4-6/6-4
MX6/7 - Conor Ahern/Eadaoin O Riordan V Paul Hogan/Lyn O Sullivan 6-4/6-4

Maher Sports Tennis Sale Now On.

Maher Sports Tennis Sale Now On

20% off all tennis product for one week only.

Try before you buy - Demo Night this Thursday

in

The Sports Village

from

7 to 9pm

All welcome.

Keep in touch with Wimbledon live scores here

Wimbledon Live scoreboard available here.

Kinsale Open Speech and Photos..

The following is the speech of Kinsale Tennis Club President, Phil Lynch, on finals day of the tournament.
Apologies for the delay in the photos, should have them posted with this article soon.

"Welcome to players and supporters to the 5th Kinsale Open finals day. Welcome especially to Cliff Carroll, President of Tennis Ireland Munster Branch

We started this tournament 5yrs ago with 120 entries and this year I’m proud to say we have had 224 players representing 13 clubs throughout Cork. We really appreciate the support of all our neighbouring clubs and our old friends from the city clubs and welcome to new friends from Clonakilty, their first year of entry and it’s great to see them do so well in the tournament.

We have enjoyed and had been even thrilled by the tennis matches played here during the week – especially in the rain of Sunday and Monday – deservedly a lot of them are here today. We have had an extremely entertaining display of tennis here today – congratulations to all the finalists.

I would like to thank the Kinsale Tennis Committee who is constantly working to ensure the smooth running and development of our club. In particular I’d like to thank sincerely the Open Committee, Fiona Doran, Noreen Collins, Giles Norman, Mick and Rose Scully who have collectively run another successful tournament. Thanks also goes to Michael Buckley, who has kept us fed, making all our dinners throughout the week and with Neil Hogan, the delicious BBQ today. His support throughout the year at all our functions is very much appreciated by everyone here in the club.

In Kinsale we are fortunate to have an enormous team (headed by Rose Scully) who volunteer their time and culinary skills, providing and serving food during the week which you will all agree is exceptional – thank to each one of them.

I would like to especially mention two people – Jim Good for his continuous support to me and to the club and for being our No.1 trouble shooter. The second is Mark Butler for his design and woodwork skills helping to transform the clubhouse and making the kitchen work so much better this year.

Now, on to the prize giving, with a huge thank you to our Sponsors, Giles and Catherine Norman, of Giles Norman Photography. It’s becoming a tradition and always a bonus for the finalists to receive a Giles Norman photograph as a prize. Thank you to them for their continued sponsorship of the tournament.

Also thanks to past members Ashley and Jane Esterhuizen for giving each of our winners a bottle of liquor to enjoy after a hard weeks work.

Finally, On behalf of the club I wish everyone success and great tennis in the summer tournaments, safe home and hope to see you all here next year."

The Sports Village Summer Tennis Offers

SUMMER TENNIS

'EASY PASS'

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OUTDOOR TENNIS 'EASY PASS'
€50 PER PERSON

€25 PER CHILD

UNTIL

31ST AUGUST 2010

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INDOOR TENNIS 'EASY PASS'
€80 PER PERSON
€40 PER CHILD
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TERMS & CONDITIONS

A customer who is not an Easy Pass Member playing with an Easy Pass member maust pay 50% of regular court fee (eg. €20 indoor court fee before 5pm, so non easy pass member must pay €10)
Easy Pass Membership is non transferable.
Courts may need to be pre booked at busy times.
Easy Pass Members receive preferential booking on courts.

Wilson Ad - This is Good.

Argideen Vale Senior Open

Argideen Vale Senior Open runs from the 20th of June to the 26th of June.
This is the special one, if you haven't played in Argideen before you are missing something really special.
This open is played on real grass courts, which I hear this year are the best they have ever being.
The setting is beautiful, but drive slowly because you could miss the entrance, on entering you will see nothing but grass, with it's grass courts and croquet lawns in perfect condition for you to enjoy.
The clubhouse is very welcoming and has great character to it.
This tournament should definitely be on your diary especially if you haven't played there before.

Sundays Well Draws and Score updates available here

The draws are now available for Sundays Well Open and during the course of the week the scores will be available from here.

Keep in touch with what's happening throughout the week.

New to Cork or just visiting - Find out about the tennis scene here

Whether you are new to Cork or just visiting you can find out all you need to know about the Cork tennis scene here.

This blog has all the relevant information whether it is where can you pay and play or which clubs you can join.

I also provide links to all open tournaments held in Cork so you can enter thru here and following up to that I provide results and if people look good enough in the photos of the event..

If there is any info not available thru the blog then you can email me rob_leahy@yahoo.co.uk and I will find out what you need to know.

Enjoy your tennis.
Rob

Sundays Well - Munster Senior Open Tennis Championships 2010

kindly sponsored bypresents

The Munster Senior Open Tennis Championships

This is one of the main events on the Cork tennis calender every year and is no different this year.
The Open starts on Saturday the 12th of June and finishes on Saturday the 19th of June.

All draws and results will be posted here during the week.

Congratulations to Anne and Un - Irish Open Vets Champions

Congratulations to Anne Naughton and Un Ryle on their magnificent victory at the Irish Open Vets in Elm Park over the weekend.

They won the O-40 Ladies doubles in a tough competition, the unseeded pair came thru 3 rounds to win the final in straight sets coming back from 5-2 down in the first to win on a scoreline of 7-5, 6-1.

This isn't their first win this year but probably their biggest, Congratlations girls, a pair to watch for the rest of the year.

Kinsale Open Results

Congratulations to all who took part in the finals day at Kinsale, it was a great success with some very close matches across all grades.

Well done to the Kinsale players that made it to the finals and of course to all who were involved in organising a very successful tournament.

Below are the results of the finals with photos and full report to follow shortly.

MD3: Bill Howie\Eddie Ronayne V Sebastian Kadau\Ondre Sebelka 5-7/6-2/6-3
WD3: Lisa Long\Joanne Riordan V Clodagh Fitzgerald\Siobhan Murray 7-5/7-5
MX3: Lisa Long\David Thompson V Orla Hosford\David Carroll 4-6/7-5/6-4
MD4: Gus Bowen\John Hurley V Ed Condren\Ondre Sebelka 6-4/6-3
LD4: Carol Mulcahy\Joanne Riordan V Lisa Fulcher\Joanne O Keeffe 6-1/6-2
MX4: Carol Daly\Niall Ahern V Jesse Morris\Sebastian Kadau 6-0/6-4
MD5: Will Bartley\Michael Kukucha V Senan Aherne\Damien O Donovan 4-6/6-3/6-2
LD5: Therese Hurley\Tara Mukerjee V Emma Crowley\Aoife Moloney 4-6/6-3/6-4
MX5: Gillian Wall\Neil Hogan V Therese Hurley\Michael Kukucha 2-6/6-1/6-3
MD6: Derek Murphy\John O Donovan V Billy Duane\Tony Lawlor 6-2/6-2
LD6: Liz Moore\Eadaoin O Riordan V Rhea Monkhouse\Joanne O Donovan 6-3/6-4
MX6: Eadaoin O Riordan/Tim Ryan V Cathy Brooks\Rod Coleman 7-5/6-1.

Are you fuelled up for the season?

This is an extract from a recent article in Tennis Life magazine written by Anne Parkhurst, Academy Director for the David Lloyd Leisure Tennis School.
It applies to all of us as we are all striving to improve.  We practice hard and feel our game is improving but yet when our level drops during tournaments we wonder why.  Here are some points that we can all do very easily without any extra effort.

Have you ever watched what the pros do as they change ends or take time between sets?  They always have some fluid and sometimes a cereal bar, a banana or another similar type of snack.
The fluid they take can be just plain water or some sort of energy drink - but it is likely to be both.  A normal tennis match will take over an hour  and research shows after playing for an hour water is not enough to keep the body working at a high level.  Players need to replenish the electrolytes that they have lost in playing so energy drinks are essential.
When taking a drink the pros generally start with some water then some energy drink and they repeat this 4 or 5 times at every change of end, even at the change of ends in the tiebreak.
You will notice that the pros maintain almost the same standard of play at the end of a match as they did at the beginning.  One of the main reasons for this is obviously their level of fitness but being fit won't help you if you become dehydrated and lack energy.  As your energy level drops so does your concentration and that is when mistakes happen.
Assuming club players want to improve, can they learn from the pros?  Are hydration and diet important in tennis?  Does what happens before and after a match matter?  The answer to all these questions is yes?

Eating for Tennis.The first objective for a player at any level is a balanced diet with regular meals that will give enough fuel for general day to day living, training and matches.
It is important to have regular intake of protein and carbohydrates as well as fats and fibre - the five a day rule is a good one.  You also need to balance your food intake with your exercise output.
Where tennis can be a difficult sport in which to think about diet and getting your energy levels right is that there is no real season.  When you do compete you could play several matches in a day: and you never know how long each match can take, so a daily high quality diet is a basic need.

How to prepare for a hard practice, match or tournament.One secret of the pros that we can all benefit from is to understand wht and when they eat.  Fuelling up with energy from complex crbohydrates like pasta, cereal and bread before a match is important because of the "slow release" nature of the energy this gives you.
On the day of a match breakfast is important, again to build the energy stores you will need (try to avoid fatty foods because they take a long time to digest).
Make sure you eat three to four hours before you play or practice so that you have time to digest the food.  If you know you have practice or a match after school/work, make sure you have lunch so your energy levels are high.

During the match or practice.
Like what we said earllier make sure you have water and an energy drink and take some regularly, also have either cereal bars or fruit and eat some pieces at a time.  Try to avoid chocolate because this just gives you a quick boost and does not rebuild your energy stores.

After the match or practice.This is very important to get right.  You should try your best to have some complex carbohydrates and protein very soon after playing.  Both have been proved to be necessary to help your body recover more quickly.  Eating within 30 minutes of playing would be best.

Summary
So to play at your best, make sure you always have a balanced and adequate diet.
Make sure you have complex carbohydrates sometime before you play and that you have small cereal bar type snacks in your bag for a long match.
Make sure you have a protein and carbohydrate meal within an hour of finishing so your body can recover quicker.
Begin hydrating the day before your match.
Always start a match or practice well hydrated.
Take enough water and an energy drink you like on court with you.
Drink a few mouthfuls of fluid each change of end and also between sets.  Do this at regular intervals in practice too.
Rehydrate after practice/match even if you don't feel thirsty.

These are very relevant to players no matter what your level and hopefully should help us all.

Check out other articles available thru this blog here.

Mahers Sports Tennis Promotion Due Soon

Maher Sports are running a tennis promotion week again this year where there will be loads of deals and discounts available in store on ALL their tennis products for this week only, ask in store for details.

In conjunction with this they will be holding an OPEN DEMO NIGHT on Thursday the 24th of June in The Sports Village from 7 - 9pm where various staff and coaches will be on hand to advise you when choosing a racket.  You will be able to try any racket from their full range on the night.
This night is open to anybody and again for more details ask in store or phone 021-4271244.

Kinsale Open underway

Check out the draws and keep up to date with results here.

Douglas Senior Open Singles - Doubler pour Bercy

Douglas Senior Open Singles Championships finished yesterday in this unique event on the Cork Calender.

This is the only singles only tournament in Cork and every year it produces some excellent tennis, with a double for Bercy.

The results are as follows: (winners name first)
MS1: Antoine Bercy V Conor Kelly 6-3, 6-3
MS2: Antoine Bercy V Silvio Di Blasi 6-3, 6-1
MS3: Silvio Di Blasi V Mark Riordan 6-1, 6-3
WS3: Clodagh Fitzgerald V Marion Healy 6-1, 6-3
MS4: John Ryan V Nicky Power 6-1, 6-0
WS4: Joanna Riordan V Ann Bogan 6-2, 6-4
MS5: Kevin Monahan V Michael Kukucha 7-6, 6-1
WS5: Karen O Neill V Fiona Kealy 6-4, 7-5
MS6: Brian Fitzgerald V Kevin Sheehan 1-6, 7-6, 6-3
WS6: Sarah Dunne V Deirdre Deane 6-2, 1-6, 6-2.

Congratulations to Douglas on a well run tournament and best of luck for the Open doubles later in the summer.
Photos courtesy of Douglas Tennis Club.

St.Michaels Vets Open Results

St.Michaels Vets Open attracted a strong field for this years open Vets, with players coming from across Munster and again this years finals were played in fabulous sunshine.
Below are the results:
Mens O-35
Winners-Rob Murphy & Liam O Brien
Runners Up-Silvio Di Blaise & David McCarthy
Ladies O-35
Winners-Deirdre McSherry & Trudy Kennedy,
Runners Up-Ann Naughton & Alice Keating
Mixed O-35
Winners-Rob Murphy & Deirdre McSherry
Runners Up-Silvio Di Blaise & Un Ryle
Mens O-45
Winners-Joe Donovan & Pat Smith
Runners Up-David McCarthy & Pat Coleman
Ladies O-45
Winners-Tish Canniffe & Maggie O Toole
Runners Up-Freda Roycroft & Kay Lynch
Mixed O-50
Winners-Billy & Freeda Roycroft
Runners Up-Noel Murphy & Roz Healy
Mens Vintage
Winners-Derry Verricker & Brendan Boylan
Runners Up-Billy Roycroft & Donal Murray

Munster Junior Finals Day - Teams and Schedule

MUNSTER BRANCH

TENNIS IRELAND

FINALS DAY – JUNIOR CUP/PLATE COMPETITIONS

30TH MAY 2010

IN
SUNDAY’S WELL BOATING & TENNIS CLUB

U.12 MAHER SPORTS CUP

sponsored by MAHER SPORTS LTD., CORK
ST. ANNE’S TENNIS CLUB WATERFORD VS LIMERICK LAWN TENNIS CLUB

U.12 MAHER SPORTS PLATE
sponsored by MAHERS SPORTS LTD., CORK
RUSHBROOKE TENNIS CLUB VS BANDON/ST MICHAELS

U.14 CUP
RUSHBROOKE TENNIS CLUB VS ST. ANNE’S TENNIS CLUB

U.14 PLATE
WHITECHURCH VS LARKSPUR

U.16 CUP
RUSHBROOKE VS LIMERICK LAWN

PROGRAMME OF PLAY
Play at 10am
U.14 CUP: No. 1, 2 & 3 Boys’ Singles, No 1 Girls’ Singles Courts 1, 2, 3, 4
U.14 SHIELD: No. 1, 2 & 3 Boys’ Singles, No. 1 Girls’ Singles Courts 5, 6, 7, 8
Play at 11.15am
Under 14 Cup: No. 2 & 3 Girls’ Singles
Under 14 Shield: No. 2 & 3 Girls’ Singles
Under 12 Maher Cup: No 1 & 2 Boys’ Singles, No 1 & 2 Girls’ Singles
12.45PM
U14 Shield: 1 Boys’ Doubles, 1 Girls Doubles if necessary
Under 12 Maher Shield: No 1 & 2 Boys’ Singles, No 1 & 2 Girls Singles
followed by No 3 Boys Singles and No 3 Girls Singles
Under 12 Maher Cup: No. 3 Boys’ Singles, No 3 Girls’ Singles
1.30pm
Under 16 Cup: 6 singles
Followed by:
DOUBLES WHERE NECESSARY
U12 MAHER SPORTS CUP
U12 MAHER SPORTS SHIELD
U14 CUP
U16 CUP

Sundays Well Munster Senior Open - Enter here

Sundays Well Munster Senior Open runs from the 12th to the 19th of June.
As with every other year a big entry is expected, so get your entry in early.
To enter just click on the link, Enter here

Munster Junior Teams Finals Day - Sundays Well Tennis Club

Munster Tennis


The finals of the Munster junior team competitions comes to a close this Sunday in Sundays Well Tennis Club from 10am.

There will be 3 age groups (U-12, U-14 & U-16) taking part with main events and plate finals taking place.

A great days tennis is guaranteed from our future stars.

All supporters welcome.

French Open - Keep in touch with the scores.

Keep in touch with the latest happenings in the French Open.
All the latest news and scores from the official site.

Douglas Senior Open - Scores as they happen

Up to date scores available here.

Next Davis Cup Match - Ireland V Lithuania

Tennis Ireland has confirmed that the BNP Paribas Irish Davis Cup team will play their Europe/Africa Zone Group II match against Lithuania at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club on 9-11 July 2010.

This match will hopefully attract big crowds all weekend and with all Irish players well currently it should make for a great weekend of tennis.

To buy your tickets for the weekend from the Tennis Ireland website, just click here.

St. Michaels Saturday morning Schedule

Saturday 22nd May

9.30AM
P o Connor& P o Connor V N Murphy & R Healy
R Murphy & L o Brien V J Don / P Smith
D M c Sherry& T Kenn V E Ryan / L Brohan

11AM
P O Connor & D Fitz V F Roycroft & K Lynch
D M c & Silivo V J Mull & J Conn
R Murphy & D Mc Sherry V G Exshaw & E Ryan

Today is also Finals day, so make sure you check your time at the club after your matches.
Best of luck to all involved.

Date for your Diary

Anyone in the market for a new racket?, Maher Sports are holding an open Demo Night on Thursday the 24th of June in the Sports Village Cork.

You will be able to come along and try out any of their rackets with coaches and sales staff on hand to assess your game and answer questions about the rackets.

More details to follow but keep the night free for testing.

Kinsale Senior Open Doubles - Enter here

Kinsale Tennis Club Open Doubles Tournament May 27th - Jun 3rd.
Please click here to enter online or click here for an entry form.
Don't be late, get your entries in.

Douglas Singles next on the Senior Calender

DOUGLAS TENNIS SINGLES OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS MAY 22ND TO MAY 29TH 2010

Kindly sponsored by Bord Gais Energy

Tournament chairman Sarah Batterham .
All Competition draws dates and times will be published on the link below.

Draws available here.

St.Michaels Open Vets Schedule

Kindly sponsored by Scally's SuperVALU and Munster Drain Services
http://www.munsterdrain.com/
Please note that play commences on Thursday & Friday at 6.30 pm sharp
Any queries etc on order of play please contact the club on
021 - 435 7910

Order of play for Thursday & Friday as follows:

Thursday 20th May

6.30 pm
Freda Roycroft & Kay Lynch V Sandra Lane & Paula Mullane
Noel Murphy & Roz Healy V Martin Hanan & Delores Fitzgerald
Jim Connolly & Jim Mulcahy V Ron O'Mahony & John Porter

8.00 pm
Kaylene Kennefick & Ann Hosford V Brenda Crowley & Pauline Kelly
David McCarthy & Karen Higgins V Ron O'Mahony & Ann Naughton
Derry Vereker & Brendan Boylan V John Coakley & Tony Ryan

9.15 pm
Mark Exshaw & Vincent Quirke V John Coakley & Tony Ryan
John Geary & Frank Norberg V Pat Coleman & David McCarthy

Friday 21st May

5.30pm
Joe Donovan & Pat Smith V Stan Devorski & Conor McCarthy

6.30 pm
Pat Coleman & Elga O'Donovan V Mark Exshaw & Mary Donnelly
Vincent Quirke & Michael Leogue V Donal Murray & Billy Roycroft

7.30pm
Joe Donovan & Pat Smith V Martin Hanan & Thomas Cregan

8.00pm
Silvio Di Blaise & Un Ryle V D McC/Higgins-O'Mahony/Ann N
Elga O'Donovan & Louise Brohan V Susan O'Leary & Mary Donnelly
Tish Canniffe & Maggie O'Toole V Kennefick/Hosford-Crowley/Kelly
Billy & Freda Roycroft V Michael & Liz Leogue

9.15pm
Thomas Cregan & Mark Exshaw V Jim Connelly & Jim Mulchay

Please check the draw in the clubhouse for further information
The draw for order of play for Saturday will be posted on the website and in the clubhouse on Friday.

Ph: 021 4357910
Fax: 021 4357483
E-mail: stmichaelsltc@gmail.com
http://www.st-michaels.ie/

Please check the clubhouse or website for further schedules.

Bishopstown Senior Open Photos

Bishopstown Senior Open Doubles Results

Bishopstown Senior Open finished last Sunday in beautiful sunshine and with excellent tennis.
There was a great turnout to watch some fabulous tennis with a lot of the finals providing some very entertaining and hard fought matches.
I hope you were all looking your best as photos will be posted soon and again will be provided by Derek Lane.
A special word of thanks to the sponsors for the week - MARY FOYLE TRAVEL COUNSELLORS, we all know the importance of sponsors and they are always greatly appreciated.

Results: (winners listed first)
MD1+2: Cian Blake\Conor O Callaghan V Conor Kelly\Conor Twomey 6-3\3-6\6-1
WD1+2: Carmel Daly\Joanne Williamson V Connie Creed\Mary Claire McCarthy 6-2\6-0
MX1+2: Connie Creed\Conor Twomey V Sommer Craig\Robert Murphy 6-2\7-5
MD3: Michael Aherne\David Murphy V Brian Foley Snr\Brian Foley Jnr 6-3\6-3
WD3: Clodagh Fitzgerald\Siobhan Murray V Ann Coveney\Lisa Long 6-2\7-6
MX3: Darragh Quinn\Hugh Harrington V Monica Williams\Fergus Bowen 3-6\6-1\6-2
MD4: Paraic Crehan\Michael Kukucha V Paul Healy\John Ryan 4-6\6-3\7-6
WD4: Carol Mulcahy\Joanna Alice Riordan V Patsy Dunlea\Carmel Ellis 6-3\6-3
MX4: Maria Harrington\Diarmuid O Mathuna V Joanna Alice Riordan\Billy Perrott 6-4\6-3
MD5: Senan Ahern\Damien O Donovan V Brian Barnes\Kevin Day 6-2\6-2
WD5: Lelia Blake\Eileen Geaney V Laura Ahern\Sheila McCarthy 6-1\7-6
MX5: Mary Barnes\Brian Barnes V Catherine McCarthy\Niall Coonan 6-3\1-6\7-6
MD6: Tom Moore\Tim Ryan V Kieran O Callaghan\Alan Preston 4-6\6-1\7-5
WD6: Fidelma O Brien\Eadaoin O Riordan V Tina Bushe\Linda St. Ledger 6-4\6-3
MX6: Eadaoin O Riordan\Tim Ryan V Suzanne Marie McClean\Paul O Connell 7-5\6-2

Carrigaline GSK Junior Open Results

The Carrigaline GSK Junior Open finals were played over the May bank holiday weekend with some very entertaining matches.
As you can see by the winners list, the tournament attracted some of the best of local talent.
Well done to all who took part, especially the winners.
Congratulations to the tournament committee on running a very successful tournament and a special mention to the sponsors GSK.  All tournaments need sponsors and it is great to see companies still willing to support local sports.
U12 Boys Winner: Sean O'Callaghan (Sundays Well)

U12 Girls Winner: Tanya Cox (Limerick Lawn)

U14 Boys Winner: Niall Casey (St Michaels)

U14 Girls Winner: Alex Duboy (Carrigaline)

U16 Boys Winner: Mark Hannon (Rushbrooke)

Congratulations Conor Niland - Winner of ATP Challenger event in Israel.

What an amazing week for Conor in Israel.  He is currently playing some of the best tennis of his career and this was obvious after his second round victory over world no.75 and former Austrailan Open finalist(2003) and Wimbledon semi finalist(2008), Rainer Schuettler, seeded 3 in this event.

Before the event Conor was ranked 222 in the world and to win the event he had to beat 4 players ranked above him.

The same applied for the final where he beat Brazilian Thiago Alves tournament seed no.4 and world ranked 116.  The final was a hard fought 3 set match and despite losing the first Conor came back to win on a score of 5-7, 7-6, 6-3.

Conor now moves well inside the worlds top 200 and becomes the Irish number 1 again.

Well done Conor and best of luck for the rest of the season.

More from Conor here.

St. Michaels Open Vets

It’s that’s time of year again where all the vets are kindly requested to rid themselves of their Zimmer frames and cast off those winter thermals.
The annual vets’ tournament starts on the 20th May and continue to the 22nd.
Always a very well supported event with a lively social element. Entry forms are available on line, please click the request online tab below and enter on-line. Alternatively, e-mail your entry to us at stmichaelsltc@gmail.com.
There will be a BBQ on the Friday night (21st May) with light and strong refreshments available at the usual nominal cost. A great night is guaranteed and we hope as many as possible will get involved and enjoy the few days.

East Cork Junior Championships

The next open event on the junior calender is The East Cork Junior Championships in Lower Aghada Tennis and Sailing Club from the 12 - 16th of May.
This event is always well run and all visitors are made feel very welcome.
For all who know Lower Aghada you'll know it is set in beautiful surroundings, so at least if your game isn't going great you can enjoy the scenery.
For details about this event contact the club on 021-4661200.

Niamh Coveney - A players account of her Fed Cup Debut.

The following is an article written by Niamh Coveney of Sundays Well Tennis Club on her first experience in a Fed Cup match.
Anyone who knows Niamh will know how serious she is about her tennis and it is great to see this dedication and hard work recognised.
I would like to thank Niamh for writing this piece and wish her well in her future outings for Ireland.

"Although arriving at 2am on Thursday morning wasn't ideal it was great to finally have made it to Cairo. Myself and team captain Garry Cahill travelled out together with Lynsey Mc Cullough due to arrive on Thursday night. Julia Moriarty and Amy Bowtell were already out there and had secured a 3-0 victory against Malta in our opening tie on the Wednesday.


On Thursday we had our toughest match up against Morocco who proved too strong, Bowtell lost 6-2 6-0 with Moriarty losing 6-3 6-3. Myself and Julia teamed up to play the doubles and although it was a dead rubber we gave it everything and were unfortunate to lose 6-4,4-6,6-3. Despite hitting 3 fresh airs, my first match on the clay had gone pretty well! Algeria had a surprising victory over Malta defeating them 2-1 in the other tie in our group.

Friday was the first day the the whole team was together as Lynsey arrived Thursday night, the team spirit was lifted in the Irish camp! We faced Algeria in a winner takes all match as we were the two teams fighting for the second place spot in our group, with Morocco qualifying for play-offs in first place. Bowtell was unlucky to lose 6-1 in the third after playing an amazing first set winning it 6-0. Her opponent was very tough and willing to stay out on the court rallying all day which proved too much for Bowtell who looked to be fatiqued and carrying an injury by the time the third set came around. Moriarty also got off to a great start winning the first set 6-0 but her opponent fought back, Moriarty regained her composure to win 6-4 in a very tense third set. 1 rubber apiece heading into doubles and although I would have relished the opportunity to play the deciding match, Lynsey and Julia were selected to team up for the doubles and lost 6-1 in the third set. This loss meant that Morocco and Algeria qualified for play-offs from our group with Morocco due to face Eygpt and Algeria to take on the favourites Turkey. The winners of these ties would gain promotion to Europe/Africa Zone Group II.

Although I was a spectator that day, as a team we learned that a match can always be turned around even if you lose the first set 6-0 you just have to keep fighting.

The final day of what had been a tough few days and we were due to take on Moldova in the play-off for 5th/6th positions. It was still a very important match as it would decide our seeding for next years competition. Bowtell was carrying a stomach injury so I was selected to take her place in the number two singles spot. I got off to a bad start going 5-0 down within a few minutes and couldn't seem to get rid of my nerves. I was very disappointed to lose 6-2 6-0 in a match I'm sure I would have won had I just been playing on our lovely artificial grass! The lack of practice on the clay made it very difficult for me to play well. Luckily Julia didn't have the same problem and won her singles easily, 6-1 6-2. 1 rubber apiece again and Julia and Lynsey teamed up for the doubles doing brilliantly to take the match 7-6 in the third set. A 2-1 victory against Moldova meant we finished 5th overall with Turkey and Morocco both gaining promotion to Europe/Africa Zone Group II.

Although my Fed Cup debut didn't go exactly as how I had imagined, it was an honour to represent my country and hopefully I'll get the oppourtunity again. This experience will stand to me, and all the hard work is most definately worth it when you put on that Irish tracksuit. May I make the suggestion of a few clay courts in Cork perhaps? Maybe someday!Thanks for the support",

Niamh Coveney

Bishopstown Senior Doubles Championships next on the agenda.

Bishopstown Senior Doubles Championships starts on Sunday the 2nd of May and runs thru to Sunday the 9th.  Like every year there should be a good turn out for this popular event.
The event is sponsored this year by MARY FOYLE - TRAVEL COUNSELLORS.
To check your draw or keep up to date on the scores over the week, click here.

Sundays Well Open Vets by picture.

Many thanks to Derek Lane for providing the photos from the event.

Sundays Well Vets Results

Sundays Well Veterans Open finished yesterday in beautiful sunshine and with some very good tennis to match.
These are the results of the finals day: (Winners Listed First)
Ladies Vintage Singles: Round Robin Event, Winner Marie Duffy
Mens Veteran Singles: Des Dillon V Ray McGinley ret. inj.
Mens Vintage Singles: Dick McCarthy V Mick Prendergast 6-4, 6-0
Mens O\35 Singles: Silvio di Blasi V Robert Cummins 5-7. 6-3, 6-2
5,6 & & Mixed: Denis\Margaret Cronin V Don Cahalane\Ann Collins 6-4, 6-4
Ladies Veterans Doubles: Alice Keating\Ann Naughton V Marie Duffy\Grace Reidy 6-4, 6-4
Ladies Vintage Doubles: Eileen Devey\Margaret O Sullivan V Oonagh Levis\Meg O Gorman 6-3, 6-2
Mens Veterans Doubles: Joe Donovan\ Pat Smith V Noel Fitton\ Pat Coleman ret. inj.
Mens Vintage Doubles: Dick McCarthy\Mick Prendergast V Martin Leahy\ Brendan Boylan 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Open Graded Mixed: Conor Twomey\Joanne Williamson V Sean Frank\Karen Higgins 6-2, 6-4
O\35 Ladies Doubles: Ann Naughton\Un Ryle V Karen Higgins\Elga Ryan 6-3, 6-3
O\35 Mens Doubles: Derek Lane\Rob Leahy V Niall Chandler\Robert Murphy 6-7,6-3,6-1
Vintage Mixed: Martin Leahy\Kay Lynch V Larry Power\Oonagh Levis 6-3, 6-3.

Kinsale Open Doubles coming soon.

Kinsale Tennis Club now accepting entries for 2010 Open Doubles Tournament 29th May to 6th June. Details of events you wish to enter or enquiries to open@kinsaletennisclub.com

Sundays Well Vets Open Draws Available here.

Check out the draws for Sundays Well Vets Open here, from Wednesday the 21st.

Buying or Selling secondhand rackets?

I have being asked is there anywhere that someone can sell there old rackets, ebay isn't a local enough audience, club noticeboards can be too small an audience, so some place where you can target tennis people.
Well you can now on Cork Tennis!

There is criteria for people to use this and full details can be obtained by contacting me either on rob_leahy@yahoo.co.uk or 086-8215333.

If you have a racket to sell you will need to send me info such as, make and model, how much you bought it for, how much you want to sell it for and pictures, aswell as other info.

If you want to buy a racket, you can do this a few ways, paypal is the easiest (if you have an account), but for all details on buying and selling click the link below to go to the racket page.

If this interests you contact me on the above number but for now have a look at some of the bargains available, shop here.

Sundays Well Vets Open 2010.

Sundays Well Vets Open runs this year from Thursday the 22nd of April to Sunday the 25th of April with entries closing on Friday the 16th.

This is one of the bigger Vets tournaments in Munster and is sure to attract a large entry from across the province.

It is a great achievement for Sundays Well to be even holding a Vets tournament this year after the disaster that took place in the club back in November, when all courts and the clubhouse was under about 3 feet of water.
Well done to all involved and best of luck for the tournament.

To enter online, click here.

Rushbrooke Easter Open - Photos courtesy of Derek Lane

I would like to thank Derek for providing the photos from Rushbrooke. 
All the photos shown are available from mrdereklane@gmail.com .
Derek will be taking pictures at all open events this year for the Cork Tennis Blog, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and have your make up done properly, you have being warned!

Derek is also available at the above email address if you have any other events you would like photographed.

Carrigaline GSK Junior Open

Carrigaline Glaxo Smith Kline Junior Open will take place from the 30th of April to the 3rd of May with entries closing on the 26th of April.

Entries can be:
emailed to brian.walsh@bowengroup.ie
or phoned in (evening times only) on 4373077.
Any forms can be posted to:
Brian Walsh
1 Ashgrove Lawn,
Carrigaline, Co.Cork.

This is a singles only competition with events for boys and girls in the U12, U14 and U16 age groups with plate events in all.

Best of luck to Carrigaline and all who take part in this event.

Congratulations to Cork's Niamh Coveney on her Fed Cup selection

Niamh has being to the fore of Cork, Munster and Irish tennis for some time now and this was recognised in the best possible manner this week when she was named on the Irish team for their upcoming Federation Cup match in Egypt.
This is a great achievement for Niamh and all involved with her tennis so well done all and best of luck in Egypt Niamh.

Blake makes it a hat-trick of titles at Rushbrooke

Jamie Blake of Bishopstown Tennis Club continued his dominance of Mens tennis in Munster with a hat-trick of titles at The South of Ireland Omni Court Championships held at Rushbrooke tennis club this Easter weekend.

His day started with the Mens Singles Final against Kevin Rea, Limerick Lawn where he proved too strong for Kevin and came out on top with a scoreline of 6-1. 6-1.

This was followed with a very tough and entertaining Mens Doubles, where Jamie partnered his brother, Cian, in a match against Daragh Glavin, Naas, and Tom McGrath, Glenegeary.
This match went all the way to a third set and at 4-1 down in the third you might have thought it was all over, but the Blakes knuckled down and fought back in very tough, blustery conditions to turn things around and win 6-4 in the third.

With little or no break Jamie and Daragh returned to the court for the mixed doubles final where Jamie teamed up with Lynsey McCullough (who had a hat trick of her own) and Daragh teamed up with Cork's Niamh Coveney for an entertaining mixed doubles with Jamie and Lynsey coming thru 6-3, 6-2.

These were just some of the matches played in a full programme starting on Thursday.
The results for the weekend are listed below: (winners listed first)
Mens Singles: Jamie Blake V Kevin Rea 6-1, 6-1
Womens Singles: Lynsey McCullough V Niamh Coveney 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
Mens Doubles: Jamie\Cian Blake V Tom McGrath\Daragh Glavin 6-2, 2-6, 6-4
Wmns Doubles: Lynsey McCullough\Niamh Coveney V Mary Claire McCarthy\Richael O Driscoll 6-1, 6-0
Mixed Doubles: Blake\McCullough V Glavin\Coveney 6-3. 6-2
MD 3: Eamonn Crotty\Conor McCarthy V Patch Holloway\Mark Reardon 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
WD 3: Clodagh Fitzgerald\Siobhan Murray V Suzanne Hayes\Maura McCarthy 1-0 retired
MX 3: Lisa Long\Jim Connolly V Monica Williams\Gus Bowen 6-4, 7-6
MD 4: Gus Bowen\John Hurley V Ronan Farrissey\Kevin McCarthy 7-6, 6-2
WD 4: Roisin Rasmussen\Carol Daly V Patsy Dunlea\Mary McGarry 6-1, 6-4
MX 4: Norma Coughlan\Nick Cloke V Colman\Roisin Rasmussen 6-4, 3-2 retired
MD 5: Pat Cronin\Johnathon Mulcahy V Parag Dalsania\Brian Hayes 6-2, 6-4
WD 5: Emma Crowley\Aoife Moloney V Mary Barnes\Tricia O Leary 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
MX 5: Tara Mekerjee\Michael Kukucha V Una Horgan\Senan Ahern 6-1, 6-1
MD 6: Tom Moore\Tim Ryan V Colm Burke\Donal McCarthy 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
WD 6: Orla Bowen\Caroline Lawlor V Liz Moore\Catherine Tibbets 6-2, 7-6
MX 6: Eadaoin O Riordan\Tim Ryan V Catherne Tibbets\Tom Moore 6-4, 7-5

Congratulations to the winners and all who participated and well done to the organisers on a very successful weekend.

What it takes to be No.1, watch this!

Congratulations to David Gardiner, Winner of Brookfield U-14

Congratulations to David Gardiner, Rushbrooke, on his great win in the Under 14 Singles in Brookfield, Dublin.

David was seeded 2 so was expected to get to the final but in a competition where there was 65 competitors a seeding doesn't guarantee anything.

In the final David beat Osgar O Hoisin, the number 4 seed on a score line of 6-0, 7-5.

This was a great achievement, following on from his great run to the final of the Nationals in Bangor last weekend.

Best of luck for the season ahead David and well done.

Draws for Rushbrooke Easter Open available here.

Rushbrooke Easter Open is starting this Thursday and the draws will be available here when posted.
Draws here.

Cork Players do very well in National Matchplays.

The national underage matchplays were on over the weekend across the country and Cork players did very well.

In the under 12 category Cork had 1 boy, Adam O Sullivan and 1 girl, Alexandra Duboy playing.
There are 16 participants in each age group so competition is tough.
Alexandra finished 6th but was very unlucky not to have being higher as she lost a few matches in the Champions tiebreak.
Adam did very well and finished a fabulous 3rd in very stiff competition.  This is a great achievement and should leave him looking forward to the summer where he can aim to challenge for the No.1 spot.

In the under 14 age category Cork again had 2 representatives, Emily Daly and David Gardiner.
Emily finished 7th in a very tough group while David had a great weekend with some outstanding results and was so unlucky in the final where he lost the Champions tie break 10-8.  This really is as close as it gets.

In the under 16 age category Cork had 4 girls playing and they all did very well, Rachel Daly finished 7th, Tara O Connor came 6th, Jane Daly was 5th and Siobhan Ryan Bovey had an exceptional weekend where she came 1st. 
Siobhans' dedication and hard work has paid off and we hope she has a very successful year ahead.

Tennis in Cork is in good hands.

Busy weekend of Tennis in Cork

This weekend is going to be a busy weekend for tennis in Cork.
It starts on Friday in Rushbrooke with the U-12 National Championships. This event sees the best juniors in the country playing for the National Matchplay Title and runs from Friday to Sunday.

And on Sunday the finals of The Winter League take place in Sundays Well.
The Winter League is a very tough event played over the worst of conditions across the province.
All the teams involved will be desperate to take home the titles to justify all their hard work over the winter months.

Tennis fans you'll be spoilt for choice this weekend.

Cork Teams in Winter League Finals

The largest team competition on the Munster Tennis calender reaches the final stages this weekend.
The Winter League Finals will be held at Sundays Well Tennis Club this Sunday the 28th.
There will be 8 teams invovled from across the province and covering 4 grades.

The Grade 1 final was played last weekend, again in Sundays Well and unfortunately for the Cork representatives, Sundays Well,  they lost out narrowly to Limerick Lawn on a 3-2 scoreline.

Hopefully the Cork teams will have better look this weekend.
There is a Cork club in each of the finals and your support would be greatly appreciated.

Grade 3
Crosshaven A V Nenagh B

Grade 4
Carrigaline B V Nenagh

Grade 5
Bandon B V Nenagh A

Grade 6
Monaleen V Crosshaven B

Best of luck to all Cork clubs this weekend.

U-12 National Championships on in Cork

The U-12 National Championships are on in Rushbrooke this weekend, starting on Friday at 1pm.
These are Ireland's top juniors and hopefully some of our future stars.
There should be some great tennis to be seen.
Come on out and support the Munster players.

Ardfield/Rathbarry AGM

Attention all members of Ardfield/Rathbarry

AGM

Monday the 29th of March

in

The Mountain House

at 8pm.

World Team Tennis in Mexico

Best of luck to Cork players, Grace Reidy, Sundays Well Tennis Club and Liam O Brien, Rushbrooke Tennis Club representing Ireland in the World Team Vets Tennis in Mexico.
They head off this weekend.
Do us proud guys!

Are you ready? - Season is about to begin!

Rushbrooke Easter Open is the first Open of the season and every year attracts a big entry.  This year should be no different. 
The tournament runs from the 1st to the 5th of April and entries close on Friday the 26th of March. 
Entry forms are available from the club, can be taken over the phone at 021-4811451 or downloaded here.
It promises to a great weekend of tennis and socialising.
Hope to see you there.

Cork University performs well at Intervarsities

Every spring the Irish Universities host their annual Tennis Intervarsities. This years event was hosted by University College Dublin, at the picturesque Mount Pleasant Club in Central Dublin. The organisers of the event were Brian Gibney and Naoise McEoin, both from the area and playing in Fitzwilliam and Donnybrook respectively.

This year University College Cork sent up three teams, two mens and a ladies teams.
Men's 1st:
1. Rob Mawe (c)
2. Rob Sheahan
3. Jamie Blake
4. Conor Kelly
5. Maurice Reidy
6. Luke Warner

Men's 2nd:
1. Kevin McCarthy (c)
2. Declan Whelan Curtin
3. Cathal O'Connor
4. Stephen Crofts
5. Mark O'Donovan
6. James Cooney

Ladies:
1. Tracey O'Rourke (c)
2. Grace Morrissey
3. Vivenne Hoary
4. Maria O'Brien
5. Fiona Jagla
6. Olivia Creed

The men's draw contained 4 round robin sections each with three teams. The men's 1st included UCC 1, Tralee IT and UCD 2. The men's 2nd included UCC 2, DCU and UCD 3. The ladies draw was knockout all the way due to a smaller entry.

On the Monday both men's teams played and won. UCC 1 beat UCD 2 to a score of 8-1 (Best of 9 rubbers). And UCC 2 beat UCD 3 also 8-1. Unfortunately the ladies team lost to UCD 2 and were forced into the plate event.

On the Tuesday morning UCC 2 played DCU, consecutive champions for the previous 6 years. UCC 2 lost 9-0 but could take pride in some of the performances. This result would now put UCC 2 into the plate event against Trinity College 2.

On the Wednesday UCC 1 beat Tralee IT 7-2 to advance to the semi-finals. The semi-final matches were randomly drawn and they were Trinity College 1/UCC 1 and Dublin City University/UCD 1. Later that day UCC Ladies would beat UCD 3 to advance to the final of the plate.

On the Thursday morning the semis of the men's main draw took place. DCU would beat UCD 1 with a score of 5-1. UCC 1 played a strong Trinity team including Leinster Interpro players: Mark Carpenter and Gavin Gilhawley.

The singles were divided 3-3 with Jamie Blake beating Andrew Stevenson 6/2,6/1. Luke Warner beat Jack McHugh and Conor Kelly scored a great win against Simon Clarke 6/4,7/5. Robert Mawe, Maurice Reidy and Robert Sheahan all lost in close matches. The doubles would decide the result and unfortunately Trinity would emerge 2-1 victors.

In the plate event both UCC 2 and UCC Ladies would lose in the finals of the plate. The men's team were beaten 5-3 by Trinity 2 and the ladies 5-2 by Galway. The ladies match saw a great victory for UCC Ladies captain Tracey O'Rourke against Connacht Interpro player Marion Hanley, 6/4,6/3.

On to finals day and a sence of deja-vu as both DCU men's and ladies would walk away with the trophies. DCU men's would beat Trinity to a score of 5-0 with strong performances from their players Simon Wrafter, Dara McLoughlin, Dara Rowan and more. The ladies event was closer with a result of 5-4. Some great matches could be seen including Cork's Niamh Coveney and Jenny Claffey.

The event was fantastically organised by UCD and Mount Pleasant Tennis Club and we at UCC are looking forward to next year in Galway.

Article submitted by Kevin McCarthy.

Nationals Qualifiers

Congratulations to all the Cork Juniors who qualified from the Provincials last weekend and will now go on to represent their clubs and Munster in the up coming Nationals.

U-12 Girls - Alexandra Duboy - Bishopstown
U-12 Boys - Adam O Sullivan - Rushbrooke

U-14 Girls - Emily Daly - Rushbrooke
U-14 Boys - David Gardiner - Rushbrooke

U-16 Girls - Rachel Daly - Rushbrooke
                    Siobhan Ryan Bovey - Rushbrooke
                    Tara O Connor - Rushbrooke
                    Jane Daly - Rushbrooke

If I have left out any other Cork player who qualified, my apologies, if you would pass on details I will put it up straight away.
I am currently waiting on the U-10 results.

Coaches or Clubs Promote yourself here!

Attention Club Captains, Secretaries or Coaches.

If you would like to promote your club or future activities within your club, pass your details on to me and I will post them here on my blog for you.

If you're a coach and want to advertise yourself or upcoming camps or clinics, let me know and I will add them to the blog.

You can contact me on rob_leahy@yahoo.co.uk
I will post anything that is related to tennis in Cork for you.

Davis Cup - Why Not in Cork?

I was at Day 1 of the Ireland v Turkey Davis Cup match yesterday and was treated to some outstanding tennis.

I must admit when I arrived and heard that Luke Sorensen was out injured, I was disappointed as I had hoped to see him play and show my appreciation for his Australian Open efforts, but when the first match started any disappointment was quickly forgotten.

It was James McGee's singles debut and even though his world ranking (502)was higher than his opponents(1200), the experience of his opponent at Davis Cup level (playing since 1998) would have been a huge factor and would have made it an all the more difficult debut, but boy did McGee come out firing.
His all round game, fitness level, agility as well as amazing service returns really showed why there is a difference in the rankings.
It was my first time watching James play and I was very impressed, his willingness to come forward whenever possible is something that is severely lacking in tennis nowadays and at 22 he is only going to get better.
Watch this space!

As impressed as I was with James and not wanting to insult him in anyway, the next tie was the mouthwatering one.
Marsel IIhan, ATP ranking 129 Vs Conor Niland ATP ranking 244, you would expect a step up in levels and for me there was.

I have known Conor since he was a young boy, have being beaten by him and watched him play in his first Senior Interpro but this was a totally different player at a totally different level.

It was going to be a very big ask for Conor to get a result as not only was his opponent ranked higher than him but he also qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open this year and lost a good second round match to Fernando Gonzalez and at 22 is definitely a name for the future.
It was a fabulous no holes barred game of tennis, with unbelieveable rallies, big serves and great retrieving.
The main difference was Conor's overall ability to turn defence into attack time and again.
Marsel had a very big serve and forehand but for every big shot he hit, he found Conor there waiting with a counter punch that most of the time he had no answer to.
In a post match interview Conor said he was delighted with the way he played and the way he has being playing lately and still thinks he is improving.  I hope so.

With the doubles to come today, it could be all over by this evening and then we hope Britain come thru to set up an eagerly awaited clash in Dublin?

And now it comes to my heading, why Dublin? Why not Cork?

Before yesterday I would have thought we wouldn't have a chance at bringing a Davis Cup to Cork but when I saw the lay out in Fitzwilliam yesterday there is no reason in the world why The Sports Village could not hold a Davis Cup match.
Grand stand seating could be set up on one court with the matches played on the second court.  The soccer carpet could be lifted off the other 2 courts to make them available for practice. 
The courts are of a very high standard so that won't be a problem. 
A marquee could be set up for catering outside as it was in Fitzwilliam.  One or two little touches here and there and a bit of planning and the Davis Cup could come to Cork.
I have no doubt the Cork public would fill the place, the kids would benefit from watching that standard of play as not all can make it to Dublin for every home match.

After all it is Tennis Ireland, not Tennis Dublin.  Something to think about!

Munster Branch AGM

The Munster Branch will hold their AGM on the 31st of March at 8pm in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.
This is open to all and is the place to make your point on any issue that my be concerning you or find out what is the plan for the coming year.

Tennis Ireland Roadshow

Tennis Ireland will present a series of workshops for parents, coaches and club officials which are designed to provide information on the latest development in our sport.
The roadshow reaches Cork on the 22nd of March at the Sports Village (old tennis village).
The plan for the day is:

Parents
12pm—2pm
Development of Young Tennis Players from 5-10 years old
Presented by Tennis Ireland Development Staff

Coaches
6pm - 7pm
ITN Assessor Training—On Court
Presented by the Coach Development Officer

Club Officials and Coaches
7pm—9.30pm
National Player Database
Presentation on the benefits for your club and your members
Understanding the process and technology supporting the project
Presented by Tennis Ireland Development Staff

Davis Cup this weekend.

Davis Cup this weekend - Here's what you can look forward to.



Come on Ireland!

Cork Juniors Taking Part in Interprovincial Matchplays

The Junior Interprovincial Matchplays are on this weekend in various clubs around Munster and Cork clubs are well represented in all age groups.
Anyone interested in watching some very good tennis (boys and girls U-12) can make their way to Rushbrooke Tennis Club on Saturday where play starts at 10am.
Best of luck to all Cork players.

Under 10 Girls

Aoife O Driscoll - Sundays Well
Kate Littlejohn - Kilworth

Under 10 Boys
Rory O’Neill - Sunday’s Well
Ronan O’Callaghan - Sundays Well
Eoin Carey - Kilworth
Joe Lonergan - Bishopstown
Ethan Monkhouse - Kinsale
Alex Mulligan - Rushbrooke
Jeremiah Cronin - Kinsale

Under 12 Girls
Alexandra Duboy - Bishopstown
Eilis McCarthy - Cork Parks
Michelle Graef - Kinsale
Chloe Condren - Kinsale
Sophie Merry - Sundays Well

Under 12 Boys
Sean O’Callaghan - Sundays Well
Cathal Sheehy - White Church
Adam O’Sullivan - Rushbrooke
Eoin O’Sullivan - Bandon
Kiran Lynch - Lower Aghada
Eamonn O’Sullivan - Bandon
Paul Lyons - Mallow

Under 14 Girls
Emily Daly - Rushbrooke
Emma O’Sullivan - Bandon
Lisa Moloney - Bishopstown
Claire Cronin - Sundays Well
Kerrie Williamson - Lower Aghada
Aisling O’Riordan - Rusbrooke

Under 14 Boys
David Gardiner - Rushbrooke
Niall Casey - St. Michaels
Colm Alton - Lakewood
Daniel Moloney - Bishopstown
Rory O’Hara - Ballinlough
Conor Clarke - St. Michaels
Ben Clancy - Kilworth

Under 16 Girls
Siobhan Ryan-Bovey - Rushbrooke
Stephanie Corkery - Carrigaline
Rachel Daly - Rushbrooke
Jane Daly - Rushbrooke
Tara O’Connor - Rushbrooke

Under 16 Boys
Cian McCarthy - St. Michaels
Niall Woods - Cork Parks
Conor Cashman - Cork Parks
Mark Hannon - Rushbrooke